Neil Burkett

Major improvements have been made to Rushton Lake following a grant of nearly £50,000 from Mick George Ltd.

The works included tree cutting, securing banks with piling, new recycled plastic platforms with two specially for the disabled, new paths around the lake and a significant stocking of carp.

The club tries to provide a safe environment for anglers at the cheapest cost and any surpluses are used for buying fish or minor maintenance.

Over the years the lake had deteriorated with the bank collapsing and the fishing platforms becoming a safety hazard.

Without the grant the lake would not be fishable and the club may have had to give up the lease and the 350 existing members, mainly local anglers, would have to fish elsewhere.

Desborough & Rothwell Angling Club is yet another project to benefit from by the Mick George Community Fund.

The Mick George Community Fund, which is managed by Grantscape, an independent charity, supports community projects within the vicinity of their operating sites in Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and Rutland.

Up to £200,000 is made available each year for community projects that deliver significant environmental benefits and provide new and better community amenities.

The £50,000 grant has not only secured the club’s future in respect of the improvements but also the landlord, David Pain, has granted a further 10-year lease.

The club will be forever in debt to Mick George Ltd and Grantscape for their advice and guidance and David Pain for his help in the project.

Finance director at Mick George Ltd Jon Stump said: “We are very pleased to be able to support this unique project through The Mick George Community Fund and provide a safer environment at Rushton Lake for local anglers.

“This money has enabled the Desborough & Rothwell Angling Club to make the much needed improvements around the lake including building brand new fishing platforms and paths so more anglers can access these excellent facilities.”

“All major companies have an impact on the people around them and our aim at Mick George Ltd is to build positive relationships with all local communities.

“Every year we make over £200,000 available for community and conservation projects within a certain radius of our operating sites.

“The Mick George Community has supported lots of projects over the years including building two brand new skate parks in Earith and Higham Ferrers, funding the casting of a new bell at Rothwell Church, creating a nature conservation area at Cow Hollow Wood, Waterbeach and many many more.”

The Mick George Community Fund provides grants to the local community.